Jignesh Mevani is an Independent MLA from Vadgam, Gujarat (File Photo)
Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani, who was scheduled to take part in an event in Nagaur, Rajasthan, was stopped at the Jaipur airport and wasn't allowed to enter the city. The independent MLA claimed that he was detained by the police. However, the police rejected the Dalit leader's charge.
The police said Mevani was restricted from moving around in Jaipur because of the prohibitory order under section 144 of the CrPC which was in effect in the district after the violence during the 'Bharat bandh' on March 2.
"We are providing him Nagaur district administration's order and (telling him about the) imposition of section 144 in Jaipur after which he is free to travel anywhere," DCP Jaipur East Kunwar Rashtradeep said.
The MLA from Vadgam, Gujarat, took to Twitter to lash out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at the treatment meted out to him. Taking a swipe at Raje, Mevani, while referring to the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, said,"Vasundhara ji, hamara bhi vada raha chunav me maza ayenga".
"If Bhagwat was going at Nagor district of Rajasthan to talk about Manusmriti, Raje would have allowed him. But since I was supposed to talk about the philosophy of baba Saheb Ambedkar they are restricting my movements," Mevani said.
"For the past 2 hours I am asking the on duty DCP of Jaipur whether he has any order to restrict my movement he has no answer. He saying 'upar se bola hai'..he took away local dalit activist's mobile also. As per law, this is a case of legally confining me, if not kidnapping.Shame," he added.
The action against Mevani came a day a scuffle broke out between his supporters and BJP leaders in Ahmedabad during the 127th birth anniversary of Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar. Mevani and supporters objected to BJP leaders garlanding the statue of Ambedkar triggering a clash.
